San Francisco City College could close in 8 months

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The state's largest college could close after state accreditation evaluators gave the school just eight months to prove it has a viable survival plan.

The financially struggling City College of San Francisco was ordered Tuesday to "make preparations for closure," the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges cited "leadership weaknesses at all levels" as a reason that its accreditation is in jeopardy.

Schools must be accredited to receive public funding, and the college would likely close without those funds. The commission could vote as early as June to pull the school's certification. About 90,000 students attend the school.

City College of San Francisco must prove to the commission that it should retain its accreditation. The school's action plan is due Oct. 15.

"During the 'show cause' period, the college must make preparations for closure" according to the commission's policy, Barbara Beno, the commission president wrote in a letter to the school.

While the college has seen reduced funding in recent years, Beno said all schools in the state have faced similar problems, yet only three of the state's 112 community colleges are in precarious positions. The other two schools in trouble are College of the Redwoods in Eureka and Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo.

In a written response to the commission's findings, interim Chancellor Pamila Fisher said the school is "fully aware of the seriousness of the situation."

"The ultimate responsibility rests with the trustees, administration, faculty and staff to reinvent City College so that it can continue to achieve its important mission, but in a more cost-effective and efficient way," she told the Chronicle.

City College Trustee Steve Ngo said he was surprised by the commission's action, and that the school will work its way out of the predicament.